Code Table 4.2.1.0 - New Hydrological Parameters
Code Table 4.2.1.0 - New Hydrological Parameters: Enhancing Flood Forecasting Capabilities
Introduction
The European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) is at the forefront of developing advanced flood forecasting systems to mitigate the devastating effects of floods on communities worldwide. As part of its ongoing efforts to improve the accuracy and reliability of these systems, ECMWF is requesting the addition of new hydrological parameters to its code table 4.2. This amendment aims to enhance the forecasting capabilities of the system by incorporating essential hydrological variables that will enable more precise predictions of flood events.
Amendment Details
The proposed amendment involves adding four new parameters to the existing code table 4.2, which falls under the product discipline 1 - Hydrological products, parameter category 0: hydrology basic products. The new parameters are:
| Code | Description | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| 21 | Water surface elevation (see note 1) | m |
| 22 | Groundwater return flow rate (see note 2) | m^3 |
| 23 | River and floodplain storage (see note 3) | m^3 |
| 24 | Depth averaged river velocity (see note 4) | m/s |
Understanding the New Parameters
Each of the new parameters plays a crucial role in the flood forecasting process:
- Water surface elevation (Code 21): This parameter represents the height of the water surface in the river and floodplains, as defined by the model as the base elevation. This information is essential for predicting the extent of flooding and the potential impact on communities.
- Groundwater return flow rate (Code 22): This parameter measures the rate at which water flows from the groundwater storage to the main river channel. This information helps to better understand the hydrological processes that contribute to flooding.
- River and floodplain storage (Code 23): This parameter represents the total volume of water stored in the main river channel and on the floodplain within a grid cell. This information is critical for predicting the amount of water that will be released during a flood event.
- Depth averaged river velocity (Code 24): This parameter measures the mean speed of water movement in a cross-section of the river channel. This information helps to better understand the flow dynamics of the river and predict the potential for flooding.
Requestor(s)
The request for the addition of these new parameters has been made by the following individuals from ECMWF:
- Sebastien Villaume
- Robert Osinski
- Mohamed Azhar
Stakeholder(s)
The stakeholders involved in this amendment are:
- ECMWF
- Copernicus
Expected Impact of Change
The expected impact of this change is none, as the addition of these new parameters is aimed at enhancing the forecasting capabilities of the system, rather than introducing any significant changes to the existing functionality.
Consultations
There has been no response to the consultation on this amendment.
Data Exchange Plans
The new variables will be disseminated through the ECMWF and Copernicus portals, ensuring that the relevant stakeholders have access to the necessary information to support their flood forecasting efforts.
Comments
There has been response to the comments on this amendment.
In conclusion, the addition of these new hydrological parameters to the code table 4.2 will significantly enhance the flood forecasting capabilities of the ECMWF system. By incorporating essential variables that will enable more precise predictions of flood events, this amendment will contribute to the development of more effective flood management strategies and ultimately help to save lives and reduce the economic impact of flooding.
Code Table 4.2.1.0 - New Hydrological Parameters: Enhancing Flood Forecasting Capabilities
Q&A: Code Table 4.2.1.0 - New Hydrological Parameters
Q: What is the purpose of the new hydrological parameters in the code table 4.2.1.0?
A: The new hydrological parameters are designed to enhance the flood forecasting capabilities of the ECMWF system. They will enable more precise predictions of flood events by incorporating essential variables that will help to better understand the hydrological processes that contribute to flooding.
Q: What are the new parameters that are being added to the code table 4.2.1.0?
A: The new parameters that are being added to the code table 4.2.1.0 are:
- Water surface elevation (Code 21): This parameter represents the height of the water surface in the river and floodplains, as defined by the model as the base elevation.
- Groundwater return flow rate (Code 22): This parameter measures the rate at which water flows from the groundwater storage to the main river channel.
- River and floodplain storage (Code 23): This parameter represents the total volume of water stored in the main river channel and on the floodplain within a grid cell.
- Depth averaged river velocity (Code 24): This parameter measures the mean speed of water movement in a cross-section of the river channel.
Q: Why are these new parameters important for flood forecasting?
A: These new parameters are essential for flood forecasting because they provide critical information about the hydrological processes that contribute to flooding. By incorporating these variables into the ECMWF system, flood forecasters will be able to make more accurate predictions of flood events and develop more effective flood management strategies.
Q: Who is requesting the addition of these new parameters?
A: The request for the addition of these new parameters has been made by the following individuals from ECMWF:
- Sebastien Villaume
- Robert Osinski
- Mohamed Azhar
Q: Who are the stakeholders involved in this amendment?
A: The stakeholders involved in this amendment are:
- ECMWF
- Copernicus
Q: What is the expected impact of this change?
A: The expected impact of this change is none, as the addition of these new parameters is aimed at enhancing the forecasting capabilities of the system, rather than introducing any significant changes to the existing functionality.
Q: How will the new variables be disseminated?
A: The new variables will be disseminated through the ECMWF and Copernicus portals, ensuring that the relevant stakeholders have access to the necessary information to support their flood forecasting efforts.
Q: Are there any comments on this amendment?
A: There has been no response to the comments on this amendment.
Q: What is the next step in the process?
A: The next step in the process is to implement the new parameters in the ECMWF system and to begin disseminating the new variables through the ECMWF and Copernicus portals.
In conclusion, the addition of these new hydrological parameters to the code table 4.2.1.0 will significantly enhance the flood forecasting capabilities of the ECMWF system. By essential variables that will enable more precise predictions of flood events, this amendment will contribute to the development of more effective flood management strategies and ultimately help to save lives and reduce the economic impact of flooding.